Fluorinated esters as lubricants for heat transfer fluids

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): wherein W is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br and I; 10 X is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, I, CW 3  and OR on the basis that at least one X is OR; R is independently selected from the group consisting of C(O) (CH 2 ) m (CF 2 ) n Y and CW 2 C(CW 2 OC(O)(CH 2 )m(CF 2 )nY) 3 ; m is an integer from 0 to 2; 15 n is an integer from 2 to 8; Y is C(Z) 3 ; and Z is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br and I. Such compounds may be utilised as lubricants, for example in heat transfer compositions.

REFERENCE TO EARLIER FILED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 371 national phase of PCT/GB2016/053846, filedDec. 7, 2016, and of GB Application No. 1521524.7, filed Dec. 7, 2015,the disclosures of which are incorporated, in their entirety, by thisreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to multi-ester compounds and to uses ofand methods of preparing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The listing or discussion of information or a prior-published documentin this specification should not necessarily be taken as anacknowledgement that the information or document is part of the state ofthe art or is common general knowledge.

Fluorocarbon-based compounds are currently used in a large number ofcommercial and industrial applications, such as propellants, blowingagents and heat transfer fluids. The interest in and use offluorine-based compounds, particularly (hydro)fluoroolefins, as heattransfer fluids has increased as new refrigerants are sought.

Dichlorodifluoromethane (refrigerant R-12) possessed a suitablecombination of refrigerant properties and was for many years the mostwidely used refrigerant. Due to international concern that fully andpartially halogenated chlorofluorocarbons, such asdichlorodifluoromethane and chlorodifluoromethane, were damaging theearth's protective ozone layer, there was general agreement that theirmanufacture and use should be severely restricted and eventually phasedout completely. The use of dichlorodifluoromethane was phased out in the1990's.

Chlorodifluoromethane (R-22) was introduced as a replacement for R-12because of its lower ozone depletion potential. Following concerns thatR-22 is a potent greenhouse gas, its use is also being phased out.R-410A and R-407 (including R-407A, R-407B and R-407C) have beenintroduced as a replacement refrigerant for R-22. However, R-22, R-410Aand the R-407 refrigerants all have a high global warming potential(GWP, also known as greenhouse warming potential).

1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (refrigerant R-134a) was introduced as areplacement refrigerant for R-12. However, despite having a low ozonedepletion potential, R-134a has a GWP of 1430. It would be desirable tofind replacements for R-134a that have a lower GWP.

R-152a (1,1-difluoroethane) has been identified as an alternative toR-134a. It is somewhat more efficient than R-134a and has a greenhousewarming potential of 120. However the flammability of R-152a is judgedtoo high, for example to permit its safe use in mobile air conditioningsystems. In particular its lower flammable limit in air is too low, itsflame speeds are too high, and its ignition energy is too low.

(Hydro)fluoroolefins, particularly tetrafluoropropenes, have beenproposed as possible refrigerants for use in a variety of heat transferdevices.

Heat transfer fluids are often used in combination with lubricants, suchas in heating and refrigeration systems. Such lubricants are included inheat transfer compositions to ensure continued smooth operation of theheat transfer system.

It is necessary that lubricants used in heat transfer compositions arecompatible with the refrigerants in the compositions. The compatibilityof the lubricant and the refrigerant is predicated on a number offactors, such as a desire for at least partial miscibility at part ofthe operating temperature range, a low tendency to degrade or react inuse and appropriate viscosities for the application.

There is, therefore, a need for lubricants that can be used inconjunction with heat transfer fluids, both those currently used andthose proposed as replacement compositions. In particular, lubricantsare desired that are miscible with a wide range of heat transfer fluids,possess an appropriate viscosity, do not reduce the performance of heattransfer fluids and have low flammability; all in addition tosuccessfully functioning as a lubricant.

Lubricants with low flammability are particularly important for heattransfer fluids that are used in automobile air-conditioning, as suchcompositions are in danger of coming into contact with hot metalsurfaces of the engine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject invention addresses the above and other deficiencies by theprovision of a compound of formula (I):

whereinW is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Brand I;X is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br,I, CW₃ and OR on the basis that at least one X is OR;R is independently selected from the group consisting ofC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y and CW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃;m is an integer from 0 to 2;n is an integer from 2 to 8;Y is C(Z)₃; andZ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Brand I.

Further provided by the invention is a lubricant composition, and usesthereof, wherein the composition comprises a compound of formula (I).

Also provided by the invention is a heat transfer composition, and usesthereof, wherein the heat transfer composition comprises a heat transferportion, together with one or more compounds of formula (I).

Further provided by the invention is a method of preparing a compound offormula (I) comprising reacting a compound of formula (A) with acompound of formula (B):

whereinW is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Brand I;X is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br,I, CW₃ and R, on the basis that at least one X is OR;R is independently selected from the group consisting of H andCW₂C(CW₂OH)₃;m is an integer from 0 to 2;n is an integer from 2 to 8;V is OH, F, Cl, Br or I;Y is C(Z)₃; andZ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Brand I.

Compounds of the Invention

In one aspect, the invention provides a compound of formula (I):

whereinW is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, BrandI;X is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br,I, CW₃ and OR on the basis that at least one X is OR;R is independently selected from the group consisting ofC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y and CW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃;m is an integer from 0 to 2;n is an integer from 2 to 8;Y is C(Z)₃; andZ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Brand I.

Such compounds show excellent resistance to ignition, including whenexposed to hot surfaces.

In an embodiment, two of the X substituents are OR and the other two Xsubstituents are, preferably, H. Preferably W is H. Advantageously, R isC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y. Preferably, m is and integer of 0 or 1, forexample, 0. Favourably, n is an integer from 5 to 8, such as 5 or 6.Preferably, when m is 0, n is an integer of 5 or 6. Alternatively, whenm is 1, n is an integer from 4 to 7. Preferably, Y is C(Z)₃, wherein, Zis advantageously H or F. Advantageously, Z is CF₃ or CF₂H.

In a further embodiment, two of the X substituents are OR and the othertwo X substituents are, preferably, H. Preferably W is H.Advantageously, R is independently selected from the group consisting ofC(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃, C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In an alternative embodiment, three of the X substituents are OR and theother X substituent is CW₃, preferably W is H. Advantageously, R isC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y. Preferably, m is and integer of 0 or 1, forexample, 0. Favourably, n is an integer from 5 to 8, such as 5 or 6.Preferably, when m is 0, n is an integer of 5 or 6. Alternatively, whenm is 1, n is an integer from 4 to 7. Preferably, Y is C(Z)₃, wherein, Zis advantageously H or F. Advantageously, Z is CF₃ or CF₂H.

In a further embodiment, three of the X substituents are OR and theother X substituent is CW₃, preferably W is H. Advantageously, R isindependently selected from the group consisting of C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃,C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In an embodiment, all four of the X substituents are OR and, preferably,W is H. Advantageously, R is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y. Preferably, m isand integer of 0 or 1, for example, 0. Favourably, n is an integer from5 to 8, such as 5 or 6. Preferably, when m is 0, n is an integer of 5 or6. Alternatively, when m is 1, n is an integer from 4 to 7. Preferably,Y is C(Z)₃, wherein, Z is advantageously H or F. Advantageously, Z isCF₃ or CF₂H.

In an embodiment, all four of the X substituents are OR and, preferably,W is H. Advantageously, R is independently selected from the groupconsisting of C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃, C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In an even further embodiment, all four of the X substituents are OR,preferably W is H, wherein three of the R substituents areC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y and the remaining R substituent isCW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃. Preferably, m is and integer of 0 or1, for example, 0. Favourably, n is an integer from 5 to 8, such as 5 or6. Preferably, when m is 0, n is an integer of 5 or 6. Alternatively,when m is 1, n is an integer from 4 to 7. Preferably, Y is C(Z)₃,wherein, Z is advantageously H or F.

Advantageously, Z is CF₃ or CF₂H.

In a further embodiment, all four of the X substituents are OR,preferably W is H. Advantageously, three of the R substituents areindependently selected from the group consisting of C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃,C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃ and the remaining R substituent isindependently selected from the group consisting ofCH₂C(COC(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃)₃, CH₂C(COC(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H)₃ andCH₂C(COC(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃)₃.

In some embodiments, the R groups of formula (I) may all be the same. Inother embodiments, the R groups will be independently selected from thegroups detailed above.

In an embodiment, the compound of formula (I) may have a structureaccording to formula (II), wherein R is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y.Preferably, R may be independently selected from the group consisting of—C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃, —C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and —C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In another embodiment, the compound of formula (I) may have a structureaccording to formula (III), wherein R is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y.Preferably, R may be independently selected from the group consisting of—C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃, —C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and —C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In a further embodiment, the compound of formula (I) may have astructure according to formula (IV), wherein R isC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y. Preferably, R may be independently selectedfrom the group consisting of —C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃, —C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and—C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In an alternative embodiment, the compound of formula (I) may have astructure according to formula (IV), wherein three R substituents areC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y and the remaining R substituent isCW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃. Preferably, W is H. Advantageously,m is 0. Optionally, n is 5 or 6. Preferably, Y is CF₃ or CF₂H.Preferably, three of the R substituents are independently selected fromthe group consisting of —C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃, —C(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H and—C(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃, and the remaining R substituent is chosen from the groupconsisting of —CH₂C(CH₂OC(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃)₃, —CH₂C(CH₂OC(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂H)₃ and—CH₂C(CH₂OC(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃)₃. To aid visually, substituting the portion ofCW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃ that is in parentheses with CW₂OR′,and making W equal to H, would result in R being independently selectedfrom C(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y or CH₂C(CH₂R′)₃. Therefore, in thisembodiment where three R substituents are C(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y, theremaining R substituent is CW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃ and W isH, the compound of formula (I) may be represented by a structureaccording to formula (V).

In another aspect, the invention provides a lubricant compositioncomprising one or more compounds of formula (I). Preferably, thecompound of formula (I) is in a proporation of at least 10 wt % to atleast 50 wt % of the lubricant. More preferably, the compound of formula(I) comprises at least 80 wt % or 90 wt % of the lubricant.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is a provided a compositioncomprising a compound of formula (I).

In an embodiment, the composition may comprise at least two differentcompounds of formula (I). Preferably, the at least two differentcompounds may be present in the composition in a ratio of from around1:10 to around 10:1, for example, 5-1:1-5.

The compounds of formula (I) are less flammable than polyalkylene glycol(PAG) and/or polyol ester (POE) based lubricants. Preferably, thecompounds of formula (I) have a lowest temperature of ignition of about500° C. or greater, such as 510° C., 520° C., 530° C., 540° C., 550° C.,560° C., 570° C., 580° C., 590° C., preferably about 600° C. or greater,for example 610° C., 620° C., 630° C. or 640° C.

Advantageously, the compounds of formula (I) have a high degree ofmiscibility with heat transfer fluids, particularly fluorine-based heattransfer fluids.

Preferably, the compounds of formula (I) will have a melting point offrom about −20° C. to about −70° C., such as from about −25° C. to about−60° C., preferably from about −30° C. to about −50° C.

Preferably, the compounds of formula (I) will have a viscosityappropriate for use with heat transfer fluids, such as in refrigerationor air-conditioning devices. Conveniently, compounds of formula (I) withhave a viscosity of from about 5 to about 220 cSt, such as from 10 toabout 200 cSt, from about 15 to about 150 cSt or from about 20 to about125 cSt. Preferably, the compounds of formula (I) will have a viscosityof from about 32 to about 100 cSt.

The compounds of formula (I) may be further used as heat transferagents.

Compositions of the Invention

In another aspect, the invention provides a heat transfer composition,comprising a heat transfer portion together with one or more compoundsof formula (I).

Such lubricant/heat transfer component compositions show lowflammability, such as when sprayed onto hot surfaces or sprayed througha flame.

Preferably, the heat transfer portion comprises one or more compoundsselected from the group of (hydro)fluoroolefins (HFOs),hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrocarbons.

Advantageously, the heat transfer portion may comprise one or morecompounds selected from the group of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene(R-1234ze), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf),3,3,3-trifluoropropene (R-1243zf), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a),trifluoroethene (R1123), 1,1-difluoroethene (R-1132a),1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutene (R1336mzz), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a),difluoromethane (R-32), fluoroethane (R-161), pentafluoroethane (R-125),1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134), propane, propylene, carbon dioxide,1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (R-245fa), 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexofluoropropane(R-236fa), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (R-227ea),1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a), n-butane, iso-butane and1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane (R-365mfc), such as R-1234ze, R-1234yf,R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a and R-32.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is to be understood that where a compoundmay exist as one of two configurational isomers, e.g. cis and transisomers around a double bond, the use of the term without an isomerdesignation (e.g. R-1234ze) is to refer to either isomer.

Conveniently, the heat transfer portion comprises tetrafluoropropenes.Preferably, the heat transfer portion comprises R-1234ze, even morepreferably the heat transfer portion comprises R-1234ze(E).Advantageously, the heat transfer composition comprises R-1234yf.

Advantageously, compositions of the invention are less flammable than acomposition comprising the same heat transfer portion combined with apolyalkylene glycol (PAG) and/or a polyol ester (POE) based lubricant.

Conveniently, the compositions of the invention are less flammable thanthe heat transfer portion alone.

Preferably, the composition of the invention has a lowest temperature ofignition of about 500° C. or greater, such as 510° C., 520° C., 530° C.,540° C., 550° C., 560° C., 570° C., 580° C., 590° C., preferably about600° C. or greater, for example 610° C., 620° C., 630° C. or 640° C.

In an embodiment, the composition of the invention may be non-flammable.

Flammability may be determined in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 34incorporating the ASTM Standard E-681 with test methodology as perAddendum 34p dated 2004, the entire content of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

Conveniently, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of the compositions ofthe invention may be less than about 3500, 3000, 2500 or 2000. Forinstance, the GWP may be less than 2500, 2400, 2300, 2200, 2100, 2000,1900, 1800, 1700, 1600 or 1500. The GWP of the compositions of theinvention preferably is less than 1400, 1300, 1200, 1100, 1000, 900,800, 700, 600 or 500.

Preferably, the compositions of the invention have zero or near zeroozone depletion.

In an embodiment, the compositions of the invention have improved heattransfer properties than the heat transfer fluid alone.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that compounds offormula (I) may further act as heat transfer agents and thereforeincrease the heat transfer properties of the compositions of theinvention.

Advantageously, the composition further comprises a stabiliser.

Preferably the stabiliser is selected from group consisting ofdiene-based compounds, phosphates, phenol compounds and epoxides, andmixtures thereof.

Conveniently, the composition further comprises an additional flameretardant.

Preferably, the flame retardant is selected from the group consisting oftri-(2-chloroethyl)-phosphate, (chloropropyl) phosphate,tri-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphate, tri-(1,3-dichloropropyl)-phosphate,diammonium phosphate, various halogenated aromatic compounds, antimonyoxide, aluminium trihydrate, polyvinyl chloride, a fluorinatediodocarbon, a fluorinated bromocarbon, trifluoro iodomethane,perfluoroalkyl amines, bromo-fluoroalkyl amines and mixtures thereof.

The invention also provides a heat transfer device containing acomposition of the invention and/or the use of a composition of theinvention in a heat transfer device.

In an embodiment, the heat transfer device is a refrigeration device.

Conveniently, the heat transfer device is selected from the groupconsisting of automotive air conditioning systems, residential airconditioning systems, commercial air conditioning systems, residentialrefrigerator systems, residential freezer systems, commercialrefrigerator systems, commercial freezer systems, chiller airconditioning systems, chiller refrigeration systems, and commercial orresidential heat pump systems.

Preferably, the heat transfer device contains a compressor.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of cooling an article, which comprises condensing a compositionof the invention and thereafter evaporating the composition in thevicinity of the article to be cooled.

According to an another aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod for heating an article, which comprises condensing a compositionof the invention in the vicinity of the article to be heated andthereafter evaporating the composition.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided amechanical power generation device containing a composition of theinvention.

Preferably, the mechanical power generating device is adapted to use aRankine Cycle or modification thereof to generate work from heat.

According to an another aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of retrofitting a heat transfer device comprising the step ofremoving an existing heat transfer fluid and introducing a compositionof the invention. Preferably, the heat transfer device is arefrigeration device. Advantageously, the heat transfer device is anair-conditioning system.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided amethod of reducing the flammability of a composition by the addition ofone or more different compounds of formula (I).

Methods of Preparation of Compounds and Compositions of the Invention

The invention provides a method of preparing a compound of formula (I)comprising reacting a compound of formula (A) with a compound of formula(B):

whereinW is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Brand I;X is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br,I, CW₃ and R, on the basis that at least one X is OR;R is independently selected from the group consisting of H andCW₂C(CW₂OH)₃;m is an integer from 0 to 2;n is an integer from 2 to 8;V is OH, F, Cl, Br or I;Y is C(Z)₃; andZ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Brand I.

In an embodiment, in the compound according to formula (A), two of the Xsubstituents are OR and the other two X substituents are H. Preferably,W is H. Advantageously, R is H.

In another embodiment, in the compound according to formula (A), threeof the X substituents are OR and the other X substituent is CW₃.Preferably, W is H.

Advantageously, R is H.

In a further embodiment, in the compound according to formula (A), allfour of the X substituents are OR. Preferably, W is H. Advantageously, Ris H.

In another embodiment, in the compound according to formula (A), threeof the X substituents are OR and the remaining X substituent isCW₂C(CW₂OH)₃.

Preferably, W is H. Advantageously, R is H.

In an embodiment, the compound according to formula (A) may be selectedfrom the list consisting of pentaerythitol, trimethylopropane,di-pentaerythritol and neopentylene glcycol.

In an embodiment, in the compound according to formula (B), m is aninteger of 0 or 1, for example 0. Favourably, n is an integer from 5 to8, such as 5 or 6. Preferably, when m is 0, n is an integer of 5 or 6.Alternatively, when m is 1, n is an integer from 4 to 7. Preferably, Yis C(Z)₃, wherein, Z is advantageously H or F. Advantageously, Z is CF₃or CF₂H. Preferably, V is Cl or Br.

In a further embodiment, the compound according to formula (B) may beselected from the list consisting of CO₂H(CF₂)₅CF₃, CO₂H(CF₂)₅CF₂H andCO₂H(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In another embodiment, the compound according to formula (B) may beselected from the list consisting of CIC(O)(CF₂)₅CF₃, CIC(O)(CF₂)₅CF₂Hand CIC(O)(CF₂)₆CF₃.

In an embodiment, the method may proceed via the reaction of at leasttwo different compounds of formula (A) with at least two differentcompounds of formula (B).

Preferably, the molar ratio of compound of formula (A) to compound offormula (B) is at least 1:2.

In some embodiments, the method is conducted in one-step reaction.

Compositions of the invention may be prepared by the method of mixingone or more compounds of formula (I) with a heat transfer fluid.

Compositions of the invention may be prepared by mixing one or morecompounds of formula (I), prepared through a method of the invention,with a heat transfer fluid.

Preferably, the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more compoundsselected from the group of (hydro)fluoroolefins (HFOs),hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrocarbons.

Advantageously, the heat transfer fluid comprises one or more compoundsselected from the group of R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf, R-134a, R-152a,R-32, R-161, R-125, R-134, propane, propylene, carbon dioxide, R-245fa,R-236fa, R-227ea, R-143a, n-butane, iso-butane and R-365mfc.

Conveniently, wherein the heat transfer fluid comprises one or morecompounds selected from the group of R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf,R-134a, R-152a and R-32.

Preferably, the heat transfer fluid comprises R-1234ze.

Preferably, the heat transfer fluid comprises R-1234yf.

Compounds of Formula (I) may be provided by the following method. To amixture of 6.7 g of trimethylolpropane and 62.1 g perfluoroocatanoicacid, heated to the melting point, 1 ml of sulphuric acid was addeddrop-wise, after which the heating was continued for 2 hours. Theresulting mixture was washed with water, sodium carbonate solution andagain dried with ware, dried over CaCl₂) and distilled in an oil pumpvacuum.

An alternative method of making compounds of Formula (I) is as follows.1.97 mmol of an acyl chloride and 0.66 mmol of a polyol were mixed in around bottomed flask and heated at 70 to 150° C. for 12 hours. Thesolution was allowed to cool and the excess acid chloride was removed bydistillation. The resulting compound was then optionally purified viasilica gel chromatography.

A further alternative method of making compounds of Formula (I) is asfollows. A 3-necked round bottom flask, fitted with a dropping funneland a condenser, was flame dried and placed under a N₂ atmosphere. Thealcohol was added to the round bottom flask at room temperature. Thefluorinated or partially fluorinated acid chloride was dispensed in aglovebox and transferred to the alcohol via the dropping funnel at 0° C.The reaction mixture was then slowly heated to reflux and left until nofurther hydrogen chloride was evolved. The mixture was then distilledunder vacuum.

Using this method a series of fluorinated polyesters were prepared, seeTable 1.

TABLE 1 Example Structure 1

2

3

4

Hot Manifold Testing

An assessment was made of the ease of ignition of the fluid of Example 4when in contact with a hot metal surface, using the test apparatus andtest method as described in ISO Standard ISO 20823:2003. In this testdroplets of the fluid were allowed to fall vertically downwards onto aninternally heated, cylindrical hot surface, inclined at a shallow angleto the horizontal, and which was additionally fitted with a horizontalgutter to trap liquid at one side of the cylindrical body. (The surfaceis hereinafter described as the “manifold”).

The temperature of the manifold was increased stepwise until ignitionwas observed. Observations on the character and vigour of ignition werealso recorded during each test. Five fluids of the invention, two PAGtype lubricants (Nippon Denso ND12 and Daphne FD46XG, ComparativeExamples 1 and 2 respectively) and one POE lubricant (Emkarate RL68H,Comparative Example 3) were tested.

TABLE 2 Highest Lowest temperature temperature without ignition withignition Example (° C.) (° C.) Observations 4 635 640 15 s delay beforeignition Comparative 438 443 Immediate ignition; Example 1 burningliquid collected Comparative 462 467 Immediate ignition; Example 2burning liquid collected Comparative 628 633 Immediate ignition; Example3 gas above tray also ignited by droplets

As can be seen from the results above, it was found that the fluorinatedspecies exhibited elevated combustion temperature compared tocommercially available polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and polyol ester (POE)lubricant materials.

Preferences and options for a given aspect, feature or parameter of theinvention should, unless the context indicates otherwise, be regarded ashaving been disclosed in combination with any and all preferences andoptions for all other aspects, features and parameters of the invention.

Where a molecule, for example HFO-1234ze, may take the form of E and Zisomers, the general disclosure of that molecule is intended to referequally to both the E and Z isomers.

The invention is defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A heat transfer composition, comprising aheat transfer portion together with a lubricant portion comprising oneor more compounds of formula (I):

wherein W is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F,Cl, Br, and I; X is independently selected from the group consisting ofH, F, Cl, Br, I, CW₃, and OR on the basis that at least one X is OR; Ris independently selected from the group consisting ofC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y and CW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃; m is aninteger from 0 to 2, provided that m is 1 or 2 if R isC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y; n is an integer from 2 to 8; Y is C(Z)₃; and Zis independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, andI.
 2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein at least two or atleast 3 of the X substituents are OR.
 3. A composition according toclaim 2, wherein the remaining X substituents are H.
 4. A compositionaccording to claim 2, wherein one X substituent is CW₃.
 5. A compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein R is C(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y.
 6. Acomposition according to claim 1, wherein when m is 0 and n is aninteger from 5 to
 8. 7. A composition according to claim 6, wherein whenm is 0 and n is an integer of 5 or
 6. 8. A composition according toclaim 6, wherein Y is CF₃.
 9. A composition according to claim 6,wherein Y is CF₂H and m is
 5. 10. A composition according to claim 1,wherein when m is l and n is an integer from 4 to
 7. 11. A compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein Y is independently selected from the groupconsisting of CF₃ and CF₂H.
 12. A composition according to claim 1,wherein W is H.
 13. A composition according to claim 1, comprising atleast two different compounds of formula (I).
 14. A compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the heat transfer portion comprises one ormore compounds selected from the group consisting of(hydro)fluoroolefins (HFOs), hydrofluorocarbons (HCs),chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), andhydrocarbons.
 15. A composition according to claim 14, wherein the heattransfer portion comprises one or more compounds selected from the groupconsisting of R-1234ze, R-1234yf, R-1243zf, R1123, R-1132a, R1336mzz,R-134a, R-152a, R-32, R-161, R-125, R-134, propane, propylene, carbondioxide, R-245fa, R-236fa, R-227ea, R-143a, n-butane, iso-butane, andR-365mfc.
 16. A composition according to claim 1, which is lessflammable than a composition comprising the same heat transfer portioncombined with a polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and/or polyol ester (POE)based lubricant.
 17. A composition according to claim 1, wherein thelubricant portion is less flammable than the heat transfer portion. 18.A composition according to claim 1, which has an ignition temperature ofabout 500° C. or greater or which is non-flammable.
 19. A compositionaccording to claim 1 further comprising a stabiliser and/or anadditional flame retardant.
 20. A composition according to claim 19,wherein the stabiliser is selected from diene-based compounds,phosphates, phenol compounds and epoxides, and mixtures thereof.
 21. Acomposition according to claim 19, wherein the flame retardant isselected from the group consisting of tri-(2-chloroethyl)-phosphate,(chloropropyl) phosphate, tri-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-phosphate,tri-(1,3-dichloropropyl)-phosphate, diammonium phosphate, varioushalogenated aromatic compounds, antimony oxide, aluminium trihydrate,polyvinyl chloride, a fluorinated iodocarbon, a fluorinated bromocarbon,trifluoro iodomethane, perfluoroalkyl amines, bromo-fluoroalkyl amines,and mixtures thereof.
 22. A heat transfer device containing acomposition according to claim
 1. 23. A heat transfer device accordingto claim 22, which is a refrigeration device.
 24. A heat transfer deviceaccording to claim 23, which is selected from the group consisting ofautomotive air conditioning systems, residential air conditioningsystems, commercial air conditioning systems, residential refrigeratorsystems, residential freezer systems, commercial refrigerator systems,commercial freezer systems, chiller air conditioning systems, chillerrefrigeration systems, and commercial or residential heat pump systems.25. A method of cooling an article, which comprises condensing acomposition according to claim 1 and thereafter evaporating thecomposition in the vicinity of the article to be cooled.
 26. A methodfor heating an article, which comprises condensing a compositionaccording to claim 1 in the vicinity of the article to be heated andthereafter evaporating the composition.
 27. A mechanical powergeneration device containing a composition according to claim
 1. 28. Amechanical power generating device according to claim 27, which isadapted to use a Rankine Cycle or modification thereof to generate workfrom heat.
 29. A method of retrofitting a heat transfer devicecomprising the step of removing an existing heat transfer fluid andintroducing a composition according to claim
 1. 30. A method accordingto claim 29 wherein the heat transfer device is a refrigeration device.31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the heat transfer device isan air-conditioning system.
 32. A heat transfer composition, comprisinga heat transfer portion together with a lubricant portion comprising oneor more compounds of formula (I):

wherein W is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F,Cl, Br, and I; all four of the X substituents are OR; R is independentlyselected from the group consisting of C(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y andCW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃; m is an integer from 0 to 2; n is aninteger from 2 to 8; Y is C(Z)₃; and Z is independently selected fromthe group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, and I.
 33. A heat transfer devicecontaining a composition according to claim
 32. 34. A heat transferdevice according to claim 33, which is a refrigeration device.
 35. Aheat transfer device according to claim 34, which is selected from thegroup consisting of automotive air conditioning systems, residential airconditioning systems, commercial air conditioning systems, residentialrefrigerator systems, residential freezer systems, commercialrefrigerator systems, commercial freezer systems, chiller airconditioning systems, chiller refrigeration systems, and commercial orresidential heat pump systems.
 36. A method of cooling an article, whichcomprises condensing a composition according to claim 32 thereafterevaporating the composition in the vicinity of the article to be cooled.37. A method for heating an article, which comprises condensing acomposition according to claim 32 the vicinity of the article to beheated and thereafter evaporating the composition.
 38. A mechanicalpower generation device containing a composition according to claim 32.39. A mechanical power generating device according to claim 38, which isadapted to use a Rankine Cycle or modification thereof to generate workfrom heat.
 40. A method of retrofitting a heat transfer devicecomprising the step of removing an existing heat transfer fluid andintroducing a composition according to claim
 32. 41. A method accordingto claim 40 wherein the heat transfer device is a refrigeration device.42. A method according to claim 40 wherein the heat transfer device isan air-conditioning system.
 43. A heat transfer composition, comprisinga heat transfer portion together with a lubricant portion comprising oneor more compounds of formula (I):

wherein W is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F,Cl, Br, and I; X is independently selected from the group consisting ofH, F, Cl, Br, I, CW₃, and OR on the basis that at least one X is OR; Ris independently selected from the group consisting ofC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y and CW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃; m is aninteger from 0 to 2; n is an integer from 2 to 8; Y is C(Z)₃; Z isindependently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, and I;and wherein one R substituent is CW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃. 44.A composition according to claim 43, wherein three R substituents areC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y.
 45. A heat transfer device containing acomposition according to claim
 43. 46. A heat transfer device accordingto claim 45, which is a refrigeration device.
 47. A heat transfer deviceaccording to claim 46, which is selected from the group consisting ofautomotive air conditioning systems, residential air conditioningsystems, commercial air conditioning systems, residential refrigeratorsystems, residential freezer systems, commercial refrigerator systems,commercial freezer systems, chiller air conditioning systems, chillerrefrigeration systems, and commercial or residential heat pump systems.48. A method of cooling an article, which comprises condensing acomposition according to claim 43 thereafter evaporating the compositionin the vicinity of the article to be cooled.
 49. A method for heating anarticle, which comprises condensing a composition according to claim 43the vicinity of the article to be heated and thereafter evaporating thecomposition.
 50. A mechanical power generation device containing acomposition according to claim.
 51. A mechanical power generating deviceaccording to claim 50, which is adapted to use a Rankine Cycle ormodification thereof to generate work from heat.
 52. A method ofretrofitting a heat transfer device comprising the step of removing anexisting heat transfer fluid and introducing a composition according toclaim
 43. 53. A method according to claim 52 wherein the heat transferdevice is a refrigeration device or an air-conditioning system.
 54. Alubricant composition comprising a compound of formula (I) in aproportion of at least 10 wt % of the total weight of the lubricant:

wherein W is independently selected from the group consisting of H, F,Cl, Br, and I; X is independently selected from the group consisting ofH, F, Cl, Br, I, CW₃, and OR on the basis that at least one X is OR; Ris independently selected from the group consisting ofC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y and CW₂C(CW₂OC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y)₃; m is aninteger from 0 to 2, provided that m is 1 or 2 if R isC(O)(CH₂)_(m)(CF₂)_(n)Y; n is an integer from 2 to 8; Y is C(Z)₃; and Zis independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Cl, Br, andI.